Biden made a surprise visit to the 200-year-old Return Day in Georgetown today, chatting with politicians and staffers who attended a reception at Delaware Tech before a parade through town.

Biden said he was skipping the parade because of securitymeasures that would have to be put in place. His 2008 appearance in the parade drew 10,000 to 15,000.

Among those who greeted the vice president, who was re-elected on Tuesday, were former Democratic Gov. Ruth Ann Minner and former Republican Gov. Pete du Pont. Return Day, which dates to the early 19th century, The event known best for its parades, where winning and losing candidates will parade together in covered carriages and participate in a ceremonial burial of a hatchet.

A POLITICO reporter familiar with the state says the annual festival also involves burying a hatchet and eating ox sandwiches. From POLITICO's Ginger Gibson: "The heads of the three major parties – Republicans, Democrats and Independents – ceremoniously bury a golden hatchet. And an ox is roasted overnight on an open fire and attendees are given free ox sandwiches."